CAAD, Inc. at CAADWEB.ORG. Who We Are.

Our History

The Center for the Arts of the African Diaspora, CAAD, was incorporated as a non-profit organization in May 1998 with 501c3 non-profit status. CAAD was formed in Los Angeles, California, by members of the former Executive Planning Committee of the Artists' Salute to Black History Month (ASBHM), which was founded by Barbara Wesson. For 15 years, the present board members of CAAD, Inc., were involved in the planning and execution of ASBHM.

The first exhibition showcased ten local artists and eventually grew to feature more than 200 nationally and internationally known artists, drawing crowds in excess of 20,000. Included in the first exhibition were the "Legends Gallery" featuring the works of master artists such as John Biggers, Elizabeth Catlett, Palmer Hayden, Jacob Lawrence, Gwendolyn Knight, Samella Lewis, William Pajaud and Charles White, among others; the "Elder's Gallery" of works by local senior citizens; and the "Children's Gallery" of works by students in local schools. The exhibition also sponsored seminars by such noted artists as Varnette Honeywood, Synthia Saint James, Charles Bibbs, and Ernie Barnes. Workshops on a variety of topics-collecting, framing and conserving art, quilting, mask-making, and African textiles were also included. ASBHM celebrated its 15th anniversary in February 1997.

Our Mission

In February 1997 master artists John Biggers, Elizabeth Catlett, Samella Lewis, Francisco Mora, and William Pajaud mandated that CAAD carry on the tradition of educating the public about our artistic heritage. Our mission, which evolved from this mandate, is to educate the global community regarding the influence of artists of African descent by supporting, promoting, developing, and documenting the arts.